Former EXHORDER Singer Is 'Proud' To Be Working With TROUBLE On New Album

Chicago doom-metal legends TROUBLE announced earlier today that they have recruited Kyle Thomas as their new singer following the departure of their frontman of the past four years, Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL fame).

Thomas, former lead vocalist for EXHORDER, FLOODGATE and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, is no stranger to TROUBLE as he previously fronted the band for four live shows between 1997 and 1999, including Stoner Hands Of Doom festival in Maryland (see video below) and Expo Of The Extreme in Chicago. Thomas has also collaborated on projects with members of SLIPKNOT, DOWN, OBITUARY and DEICIDE.

In a statement released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Thomas stated about his addition to TROUBLE's lineup, "A great honor and opportunity has come back around to me recently as I have been invited to write and record with TROUBLE for their upcoming album. I am proud to say that I accept the invitation, and look forward to rejoining my former colleagues.

"Though I was not an official member of the band before, I treated every performance with them as if I were. This time around I shall continue to do so.

"As a fan first and foremost of TROUBLE, I completely understand that a strong contingent of fans only want to see the band with [original singer] Eric Wagner, and there is nothing wrong with that. If I were on the outside looking in, I might feel the same way.

"Though we've never met, I have the utmost respect for Eric and can only say it is an honor and challenge to step in to his previous spot with the band. It is a challenge that I look forward to, and hope that true fans of TROUBLE will be willing to give it a fair shake.

"As a fan, I can promise you that I will do everything within my power to make an amazing and true to feel album with one of my favorite bands.

"If some cannot accept the change, that is okay as well. Everyone is entitled to their feelings, but all I can say is that BLACK SABBATH remained great with Ronnie James Dio and Ian Gillan, and DEEP PURPLE was amazing as well with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. I was reluctant to accept the change for both of those bands at one time, and now regret that it took me so long to enjoy the various lineups. Good music is good music.

"If my work with TROUBLE is not up to snuff, it will not be because I did not work my tail off in the process.

"Many thanks to [TROUBLE guitarists] Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin for bringing me back into the picture. Truth is, what is!"

TROUBLE is currently working on its ninth studio album with Thomas on vocals and plans to release the record this spring.

"We are really excited to be working with Kyle again," stated Rick Wartell, TROUBLE co-founder/guitarist. "The shows we played with him in the past were very well-received by the fans and now we'll have an opportunity to work with him in the studio on our new record. His vocals are amazing and a perfect fit for the band."

Bruce Franklin, TROUBLE's other co-founder/guitarist, added, "The history with Kyle and TROUBLE really goes back to his teenage years as he told me that he and Jimmy Bower (of DOWN) would drive around in his old Pinto and listen to TROUBLE. He's an excellent, highly energetic singer and it's great to have him be an official member of the band now."

TROUBLE's current lineup is:

Kyle Thomas (vocals)
Rick Wartell (guitar)
Bruce Franklin (guitar)
Shane Pasqualla (bass)
Mark Lira (drums)

TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Clarke announced his departure from TROUBLE earlier today to start a new project with guitarist Russ Strahan (PENTAGRAM, LAND OF DOOM) called THE BONES OF CHILDREN.

Clarke's predecessor, Eric Wagner, left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.